Reading and comparing two texts about prisons: London (1862) and Norway (2013)
I can read two texts about the same topic - prisons - and begin to compare them.
Reading and comparing two texts about prisons: London (1862) and Norway (2013)
I can read two texts about the same topic - prisons - and begin to compare them.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Using predictive reading skills before you read a text can help you understand more complex texts.
- When reading a text for the first time, you won’t necessarily understand every word and idea.
- Making short annotations as you read can help you develop an understanding of a text.
- When comparing two texts, using words like ‘more’ or ‘less’ can be helpful.
Common misconception
That Mayhew describes everything in the prison in a negative light.
Focus on the descriptions of the prisoners. Why does Mayhew present them in this way? What is he trying to say about prisoners?
Keywords
Punitive - something intended as a punishment
Rehabilitation - helping people to recover and reintegrate into society after facing issues
Evaluate - to consider something carefully and make a judgement about it
Inhumane - cruel, brutal
Reform - to change something in order to improve it
Equipment
You need access to a copy of Henry Mayhew's 'The Criminal Prisons of London' (1862) and Erwin James's 'The Norwegian Prison' (2013). A copy/link to each text an be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
literature which describes imaginary events
writing about real events and facts
a piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine
a short section of a longer piece of writing
something intended as a punishment
helping people reintegrate into society
cruel, brutal
changing something to improve it